"But don't take this as meaning Ford Australia is on the brink of sending cars to China - it isn't," Mr Parry-Jones says. "All exports to China are difficult and you really have to manufacture there, which would have to be done with the Territory if it was to have a future there. There is not a decision to do it - I am merely speculating."

He remains enthusiastic about the possibility, however, even though establishing a business case to build the Territory in China "would be a challenge", given Ford's limited manufacturing capabilities in the country.

"A lot of elements have to be in place, but for the first time in recent history Ford Australia has a product that could sell in significant numbers outside Australia."

Mr Parry-Jones says he will push for the next generation of Territory to be designed so it can be manufactured in both left- and right-hand-drive, and he believes the Territory could also be powered with Ford's latest 2.7-litre V6 turbocharged diesel, which is being used by both Jaguar (in twin turbo form) and by Land Rover in single turbo form).

"I wouldn't be surprised if some 'skunk works' engineers (the industry term for groups doing research work on an unofficial basis) didn't already have one (a V6 turbocharged diesel) in the Territory in Australia," he says.

He also suggests the diesel engine could be used in the Falcon ute, and that Ford Australia also has the design and engineering capabilities to make the Falcon sedan architecture fit into the Ford product line-up in the US.

Again, this doesn't mean Ford will export vehicles to the US, but rather the mid-sized Falcon could provide the basic design for a US model.

"It would be nice if the Falcon had a fit in the US or other markets," Mr Parry-Jones says, adding that in future there will be a "rolling evolution" of the model, built with overseas shared technology in mind and also to compete with the Commodore.

"It's not simply good enough to compete with the Commodore - beating Holden is the only game in town," Mr Parry-Jones says.

Solid wheels keep on rollin'

More than century after the pneumatic tyre replaced solid rubber ones, offering a more comfortable ride but bringing with it the bane of motoring - the flat tyre - Michelin chose the Paris motor show to unveil it latest invention: the airless tyre. Still at the early prototype phase, the tyre is made from what is described as 115 rings of tough resin laced with glass fibre. It's rated to a speed of 270 km/h and can withstand a shot from a bullet and remain roadworthy, evidently.

"No more pressure checks, no more flats, no more spare wheels," says Daniel Laurent, Michelin director of conception and development.

He says tests have shown it will outlast the lifespan of the average car, with just the outer treads to be replaced periodically. No date has yet been set for its commercial launch.

Volkswagen to buzz Boxter

Volkswagen is joining the roadster ranks with a stylish production version of its well-received Concept R show car first revealed at last year's Frankfurt motor show.

The new mid-engine open-top, conceived as a cut-price alternative to the Porsche Boxster, is slated for launch in late 2007 with the choice of either four or six-cylinder power, according to highly placed company insiders.

News of the decision to forge ahead with the Concept R comes after recent comments from Volkswagen chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder, that the car maker intended to bolster its niche market potential rather than relying on traditional volume sellers such as the Polo, Jetta and Passat.

Details of the mechanical make-up of the Volkswagen roadster remain scarce, although it is expected to use suspension components from both the Polo and Golf to save on development and production costs.

VW is said to be considering three different petrol engine options for its new roadster, including a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder, a turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-litre V6.

Honda moves with the times

The clever Asimo humanoid robot kicked off the Paris motor show presentation for Honda. Walking freely and shaking hands with visiting Honda dignitaries, Asimo stepped aside for the people who presented the FR-V, a six-seater mini people-mover designed with Europe in mind. The FR-V is not on the menu for Australia but it does give hints as to where Honda's styling is headed.

Honda also revealed a diesel variant of its CR-V soft-roader. Honda Australia spokesman Mark Higgins says a diesel CR-V is a tantalising proposition for regional Australia and is on the company's wish list.

Super Touareg revealed

Alongside the new Golf GTi, Volkswagen's Paris revelations also included a range-topping version of the Touareg. Expected to head into limited production later this year, it is supposed to compete with performance-based off-roaders such as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 4.8iS and Mercedes ML55 AMG.

Power is from the same 6.0-litre W12 engine used in Volkswagen's slow-selling Phaeton limousine, scheduled to arrive here next year. It drives all four wheels through an improved six-speed automatic gearbox and is claimed to provide 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.9 seconds.

To cope with the added performance, there is a lower ride height, stiffer springs, 20-inch wheels and a body kit.

Production of the new Touareg will be limited to just 500 units, about 330 of which are heading to Saudi-Arabia.

At this stage there is no plan to sell the high-priced off-roader in Australia.

WHAT'S ON IN VIC

More than 3000 utes will gather at Deniliquin, NSW, 76 km north of Echuca, tomorrow and Saturday, for the World Record Ute Muster, for the first time incorporating the Blue Singlet Muster. For more information: utemuster.info

AROUND THE CORNER

BMW 1-Series early October

Proton Gen 2 hatch early October

Renault Megane CC mid-October

10 BEST-SELLING LIGHT CARS

Sales to the end of August 2004
TOTAL SALES

Toyota Echo 11,675

Hyundai Getz 10,715

Honda Jazz 4885

Holden Barina 4411

Mazda2 3295

Ford Fiesta 2261

Mitsubishi Mirage 1952

Suzuki Ignis 1350

Peugeot 206 1148

Daewoo Matiz 660

SOURCE: VFACTS

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The size of your tyre is located on the sidewall of your tyre.It will be similar to the sample below.